The Mighty Montforts: JPII Boxing Club

by Conor Hardy
Archdiocese of Washington
First Pre-Theology, St. John Paul II Seminary

While growing up and playing ice hockey with two older brothers, differentiating between hockey and boxing was not always clearly defined; as the old standby goes, “We went to a boxing match and a hockey game broke out.” Both require elegance and a strong nose. Years later I saw the movie Cinderella Man starring Russel Crowe. After the seeds of inspiration were planted in my youth by Rocky, I learned of the story regarding 1935 - ‘37 heavyweight champion and virtuous family man, James J. Braddock. This was the final motivation needed for me to respond to the promptings pounding in my heart: to begin boxing. So it was that one day I ventured through a labyrinth of brick alleyways in downtown DC in search for the “Downtown DC Boxing Gym”. Upon hopping over a puddle of muck and turning a corner, I remember hearing the sounds of grunts and sharp sighs quickly exerted between “Smack! Pop-Pop, POW!” I walked towards the cinderblock garage where the noise was coming from and looked up. There, placed in the window pane of the bleak construction, was a scrap of cardboard with a word written in bold: “GYM”. Found it!

These memories struck me one day while exploring the corners of the JPII workout room. Peeking out from a bag alongside the wall were a pair of boxing gloves. I found another seminarian and asked if he wanted to use them. After a few rounds, the idea to begin a club came swinging. At the start of the following semester, several seminarians signed up and exercises ensued. One training drill has been walking around the trainee and raising mitts for him to hit. As we stepped to and fro, I would reassure them, “Whatever jab you miss on the mitts will be caught on the face.” Surely enough, I’ve given thanks for mouth guards. Along with these activities came ideas for a motto, a logo, and a patron for the club.

Our motto, Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini, translates as: “The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 9:10). It takes courage to step into the ring. In coming face to face (or fist to face) with pain, the stinging awareness of our frailty and fragility becomes apparent and we are reminded of our limitations. It takes courage to have faith and hope, and to learn that our confidence should be founded on God, our Beloved Father. We can ground our feet more firmly when we are docile enough to rely on our loving God in such a way. This filial trust is the wisdom in which we wish to grow.

The idea for the logo originated from having taught 4 th grade at The Heights School in Potomac MD. The family favorite, Rikki Tikki Tavi by Rudyard Kipling, was assigned as reading during Literature class. The wild eyed, briskly-bouncing, snake-destroying, ferociously protective mongoose seemed the perfect mascot to slap on our logo. Behind the fierce looking mongoose with boxing gloves are waves and a star symbolizing Our Lady Star of the Sea. This is a tribute to her and a reminder to us of her Motherly care for her sons. Having a reference to Mary also correlates to our patron, whose main charism was spreading devotion to her.

One of St. John Paul II’s most influential heroes St. Louis de Montfort was known for his holiness and boldness. One day, St. Montfort traveled to a town and began preaching at a church located within close proximity of a tavern. The sermon could be audible not only by those within the church, but resonated throughout and disturbed the people indulging next door. The people in the tavern began bellowing belligerent remarks and mock the people praying just beyond their boundary. After completing his sermon, and blessing the congregants, St. Louis calmly exited the church and entered the tavern. In short, it was here that he let his fists do what his words would not. Yet, a few days afterwards, a sullen and sobered man came to accuse the saint for his conduct. St. Louis walked towards the man and knelt down. He then prayed pardon for any way he may have offended the man.

It is a privilege to have St. Louis de Montfort as our patron for the club and represent his name. Although he could demonstrate being firm, he was also gentle. Having an awareness of one’s capabilities, and to master self-control, allows for the person to better lay such gifts at the service of others. The greatest service one can give is by aiding another in their journey towards the homeland, Heaven. It is through this example of self-mastery that the Mighty Montforts seek to become firm and gentle men. On this his feast day, we pray: St. Louis de Montfort, pray for us!

A calling to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ is one of the most beautiful gifts that a Catholic man can receive.